What is Domestic or Dating Violence?

Domestic and Dating Violence is any type of behavior that is used to control another person in an intimate relationship. Types of abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional, sexual, economic and stalking. In the United States 1 in 4 women will experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

The following are possible signs of Domestic or Dating Violence:

Verbal/Emotional

Criticisms

Manipulation

Calling you names or putting you down

Isolating you from friends and family

Threats to harm you or someone close to you

Physical

Hitting

Smacking

Punching

Choking

Shoving

Sexual

Unwanted touching

Forced sexual contact

Sexual harassment

Economic

Sabotage job or job opportunities

Restricts access to money or basic needs

Stalking

Repeatedly texting you or calling you, including hang-ups

Damages your home, car or other property

Threatens to hurt you, your family, friends or pets

Making unwanted comments about you on social media.

Unauthorized access to electronic devices, including cell phone.

If you are being abused… it’s not your fault. You did nothing wrong, and don’t deserve to be abused. You can leave your relationship, because someone who loves you wouldn’t hurt you.

Safety Plan if you are considering leaving your abusive partner

Hide money, keys, and a bag of clothes

Make a code with family and friends

Have neighbors call the police if violence begins

Remove weapons from the home

Have copies of important papers

You Have a Right….

Not to be abused.

To say NO.

To change your current situation.

To receive assistance from police/social agencies.

To request an interpreter.

To ask for an Emergency Protective Order.

To seek an arrest warrant issued against your abusive partner.

To obtain, at the time of the incident, a report number and an officer name if law enforcement is called.

To receive transportation to a hospital, safe shelter, or magistrate’s office by a law enforcement officer.

To legally prosecute your abuser(s).

To have issues handled with confidentiality.

To be treated with respect.

To be YOU.

To put YOURSELF FIRST.

The development of this website was made possible through grant support from the Virginia Department of Social Services, Domestic Violence Prevention and Services grant # CVS-16-056-17